Using light to create perceptual experiences in space and wayfinding

Research article with illustrations.Although ephemeral, light can visually be read as a physical form becoming a material to be utilized by architects and artists. The Light and Space Movement has brought forth an awareness of our psychological and philosophical perception of light. Artists and architects use light as a primary material to expand and contract space by using precise projected light, homogenized light, natural light, artificial light, and colored light. Light influences color’s communicative power, allowing one to use light and color to cause emotional responses and perceptual changes amongst viewers. By integrating light into structures, hierarchy is produced as a method to create wayfinding and defines space while sustaining one’s sense of place, position, and time. A new dimension is given to materials that are illuminated, connecting interior dwellings to exterior environments. Light becomes three-dimensional when united with other materials, visually containing space and creating an interactive sense of boundaries. Although light is ephemeral light can be used to help define and re-define physical space.University of Wisconsin--Stout. Research Service